IRAQ JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

The first field experiment was conducted during 2013-2014 season at the Research Farm of Department of Biology, College of science, Baghdad University to test if the variation in weed population and growth in stands of wheat cultivars was due in part to allelopathic mechanism. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Results revealed that Abu Ghraib significantly reduced weed density by 62, 48, 46 and 44% and weed dry weight by 66, 72, 60 and 47% after 60, 75, 95 and 115 days from planting, respectively, followed by Iraq and al-Rasheed cultivars. Cultivar Tahaddi showed the lest inhibitory effect to weeds. Subsequent stair-case experiment indicated that root exudates of the Abu-Graib 3 cultivar suppressed the test weeds (Malva and wild oat) more than Tahaddi cultivars giving additional evidence that allelopathic mechanism is involved in weed suppression and the differences in the inhibitory activity between the test cultivars was due to differences in their allelopathic potential. Chemical analysis indicated the presence of phenolics in root exudates of both cultivars (Abu-Graib3and Tahaddi) Chemical analysis on these phenolics by HPLC indicated the presence of several allelochemicals, viz, p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatecheuic, vanillic, p-coumaric acid ,ferulic acid, sinapic acid and syringic acid with higher concentration in Abu-Graib3 cultivars compare to Tahaddi cultivar.

The field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Department of Biology, College of Science, and Baghdad University using Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications as factorial experment. Wheat cultivars straw and lower rates (30% and 60% of the label rate) were incorporated in the field soil alone or in combination. Label rate herbicide (2.4 Lha-1) and weed free with and without straw were also included for comparison. Results showed that weeds density and dry weight were significantly increased by wheat residues and lower rates of herbicide, however this reduction was further increased in plots received wheat residues and lower rates of herbicide. The highest suppression of weed density was achieved by application of reduced rate of trifluralin (60%) to plots amended with Abu-Graib 3 residue (82, 78% of control) and with Iraq residue (80 ,79% of control) at 30 and 60 days after sowing, respectively. Also, reduced rate of trifluralin (60%) integrated with Abu-Graib 3 and Iraq cultivars residues recorded maximum inhibition in dry weight of weeds by 77 and 70% over control respectively, while label rate of trifluralin reduced dry weight weeds by 48% of control.
It was concluded from this study the combination of Trifluralin herbicide by 60% from label rate incorporated with wheat residues suppress the weed populations.

This experiment was conducted in Wasit province in Zubaydiah area in two fields have different Soil qualities, first Soil was Silty Clay Loam and other Loam Soil through the autumn of 2014 to study the growth of relationship and holds the grain with Spectroradiomtr device and satellite image measurements under different levels of nitrogen added to maize class Angst Swiss hybrid, was divided each field to two treatments (N1, N2) and ten Replicates by design Split plot design within (RCBD) Randomized Complete Block Design. treatment N1 was recommended fertilizer (250 Kg. N/h) either treatment N2 was Add an extra to the recommendation of fertilizer (300 Kg. N/h) and at the end of the season measured some of plant characteristics (such as plant height , leaf area , dry weight ,yield of grain , weight of 500 grain and the number of grains per Corncobs).And use Spectroradiomtr device in measuring the spectral reflectance to plant maize and NDVI of satellite image and gave us the results significant superiority in Spectroradiomtr measuring device and the NDVI for the treatment of N2 on the treatment N1 and conclusion of this study, the relationship is good between the reflectivity values of spectral device Spectroradiomtr dry weight and holds the grain We found a good correlation between the NDVI values and dry weight and grain holds a strong relationship between Spectroradiomtr device measurements and high nitrogen fertilization.

To determine the appropriate quantities of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers that should be applied after cutting ,afield experiment was conducted during 2012 and 2013at Al-Anbar/Dawar Research Station.Factorial experiments design( RCBD) with three replications was used. Nitrogen levels(40, 80 and 120 kg N.h-1) and potassium (20, 40 and 60 kg K.h-1) were applied after the first and second cuttings.The highest yield of green fodder(41.67 and 24.54 t.h-1)was obtained after the application of 120 kg N.h-1. While when applied (60 kg K.h-1)It gave 41.11 and 27.50 t.h-1 of green fodder. When N and K fertilizers applied in combination at 120*60 kg.h-1 after second cutting gave 42.22 t.h-1 green fodder. While the highest green fodder obtained when applied(120 kg N.h-1) after third cutting (12.94 and 10.354 kg.h-1), as well as the treatment (60 kg K.h-1) gave the highest green fodder(12.66 and 10.687 kg.h-1). The combination of 120*60 and 120*40 kg.h-1 of N and K respectively, provide a high green fodder yield (13.83 and 11.875 t.h-1) for two season respectively. Despite the depletion of nutrition elements, the increase of green and dry fodder yield, was due to increase in number of tillers and increased of recovery rate of growth affected, when nitrogen applied. The best combination(120*60 kg.h-1) of nitrogen and potassium used after each cutting to obtain the highest green and dry fodder yield of sorghum.

This experiment was conducted to test the efficiency of adding nutrients to the compost which that date seeds flour, flour bran, soya bean cake as well as same these nutrients treatment with fungus Aspergillus oryzea as enhance of proteins preparing according to the method of the solid state fermentation and designed experiment according to the design of randomized complete sectors (CRBD). Add nutrients of flour bran enhanced bioprotein 2% and flour nuclei dates enhanced bioprotein 1% and 2% have led to the compost on a dry weight basis to increase early yeild (flush first) all add treatment and therefore against giving them a higher yelid arrived at 8:59 and 7.91 and 7.80 kg/m2 sequentially. While total yeild has the results indicate that the addition of date seeds flour enhanced bioprotein 2% and 1% to the compost based on the dry weight of the compost has achieved an increase in the total yeild, which amounted to 14.73 and 14.43 kg/m2 sequentially It is so significantly compaired with 12.02 kg/m2 for the control treatment. There were significant differences between the percentage biological efficient as I got addition percentage of 1 and 2% of the date seeds flour enhanced bioprotein at the highest rate reached 41.22 and 42.10% sequentially.

his study carried out for the diagnosis of soils clay minerals prevailing in some areas of agricultural expansion within the western region of Iraq, and to identify the extent of heterogeneity and differences in the distribution of these clay minerals in the body of the soil Soils were morphological descriped then sampled from every different horizons of each pedon to estimation some physical, chemical and mineralogical properties, Soils were classified according to USA classification system(2010).
The results showed that Palygorscite was a dominant clay mineral (61.1%), while illite was in the second grade at Al- Qaim and Rawa . Chlorite was identify in third grade at locations Ana site at the (Dayom alshamia) and Haditha site (Dayom alkhasfa) locations Ana, Haditha and Hite, While vermiculate identify as fourth grade with 55.6% from studied locations, the 33.0% of the locations showed exist of smectite at fifth grade and less exist was recorded for kaolinite mineral, also the stratified clay minerals were identified in all studied samples which was regular type arised right of 14.0Ao reflection and between 18-27 Ao, and unregular type which identified left 14.0Ao reflection, and mica- chlorite type at 11-13Ao.

To study the physiochemical behavior of potassium adsorption phenomenon in some agricultural expansion areas western of Iraq. Six locations were selected represented Al-Anbar governorate different mineral composition of clay fraction there are Al-Ramadi, Heet, Hadeti, Rawi, Ani and Al-Qami. One gram of dry soil for every location put in 100ml polyethalen tube then 30ml potassium solution with the concentrations 0, 20, 40, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 mgK.L-1prepared from K2SO4 was added and shakes to equilibrium. Langmuir linear equation was used to characterize potassium reaction.
The results showed the following: -
1- A higher adsorbed quantity of potassium was obtained in Heet soil ( 81.19 mg K.kg-1 soil), and Al-Ramadi, Rawi, Hadeti, Al-Qami with quantity 76.34,74.63, 72.16, 67.73 mg K.kg-1 soil respectively, while adsorption quantity was recorded at Ani soil ( 66.24 mgK.kg-1 soil).
2- The amount of adsorbed potassium was increased with increasing of potassium concentration in added solution. The difference in the soil properties (Soil texture, a mount of available potassium and soil content of CaCO3) have clear effect on potassium adsorption.

The present study was carried out at a sand texture Al –Najaf station / General board of date palm / ministry of agriculture to study the influence of water irrigation salinity on soil nutrients content, chemical properties N,P,K,Ca,Mg,Na,Ec,PH and some nutrients N,P,K,Ca,Mg and Na uptake by Date Palm seedling (Phoenix dactylifera L ((in fifth year) for Kestawi and Mactoom cultivars, the result showed:
1-There was an increase in electrical conductivity values with increasing of irrigation water salinity. The higher value of electrical conductivity recorded at third level of water irrigation salinity also found a significant effect of Mactoom cultivar in decrease of soil electrical conductivity values than Kestawi cultivar.
2-Available nitrogen decreased with soil deep and water irrigation salinity increasing, the change in cultivar did not record any differences in soil available nitrogen, a significant decrease in a panna's nitrogen content with increase of water irrigation salinity.
Panna's phosphor and potassium content decreased with increaseing water irrigation salinity.
3-Calcium and magnesium decrease with soil depth and panna's calcium and magnesium content decrease with water irrigation salinity.
Soil sodium recorded a significant increasing in content at the second layer in sand texture. There were significant differences in a panna's sodium content, but in paradox all nutrients a panna's sodium content increased with increasing of water irrigation salinity.
4-Kestawi recorded the higher yield and number of leaves than Mactoom cultivar. Also the study found a significant decreasing in yield with increase of irrigation water salinity.

Results showed that the larvae of the predator Chrysoperla mutate followed the second type (cyrtoid) of the functional response which was common for most insects . consequently the rate of attack coefficient was increased while the handling time was reduced with larvae progress in age.The lowest attack coefficient was 28.40 for 1st larval instar and the highest attack rate was 49.50 for3rd larval instar. The highest handling time was 2.89 hours for 1st larval instar and the lowest handling time was 1.15 hours for 3rd larval .This study showed that the efficiency of C.mutata to biological control of Apheis faba.

The study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the difference in the date of planting and soil treatment with Bioagent in control of mole cricket Gryllotalpa sp. on some summer crops and vegetables during season 2012. Results of the study dieated that the date for the cultivation of sunflower crop had considerable influence on infested plants with mole cricket , since the early planting lead to seed germination and development at good root system which was non-preferred to insect , The highest percentage losses at early planting reached 3.67% and the number of tunnels was 4 in the early planting while reached 32.57% and tunnels was 14 in late planting. The efficiency of commercial formulation of fungi bioagent showed that field soil treatment with Metarhizium anisopilae marked high protecting level for cowpea , cucumber , okra , melon and sunflower against mole cricket infestation and decreased the economic losses to 3.37%. Using Beauvaria bassiana formulation the percentage loss reached 19.01%, while treatment with Trichoderma harzianum was the least efficient with infestation level of 29.12% compared with the control treatment which had the percentage losses reached 62.71%.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of β-Amino Butyric Acid (BABA) in inducing systemic resistance in zucchini plants (Amjad variety) against Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV). BABA was used at 6000 PPM concentration to Spray the zucchini Plants. The efficiency of BABA was evaluated on the bases of inhibition percent of virus multiplication as estimated by ELISA value and peroxidase activity. Results revealed that ELISA value of spray β-Aminobuytric acid and directly planted then inoculated with ZYMV and re-sprayed again with the same acid was 0.785 at 405nm and the percent of virus multiplication inhibition was 63.18%.The total absorbance change of peroxidase increased by 56.53 and 46.93 after 7 and 21 day respectively. This treatment was significantly different from control treatment where the inoculation of virus and sprayed distilled water, ELISA value was 2.132 and peroxidase absorbance 42.06 and 45.73 after 7, 21 day respectively and the percent of virus multiplication inhibition was 0%. The β- Aminobuytric acid has highly efficient effect in reducing losses of number and weight of zucchini fruits of treated plants.

The study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Boswellia volatile oil to inhibit growth of toxigenic isolate of Aspergillus flavus and reduce aflatoxin B1production and its detoxification. The results showed that addition the bacteria at 2,3,5 ml/ L from bacterial culture containing 16 x 1021 CFU/ ml and the volatile oil at 6, 7, 8 ml/L into the yeast extract sucrose liquid medium (YSE) , then inoculated with A. flavus induced significant reduction in aflatoxin production, 73.7, 73.3, 53.3 g/L for the three tested concentrations of bacteria respectively, 130, 120, 90 g/L for the concentration of volatile oil respectively compared with 256.7 g/L in control. The addition of the bacterium at 2, 3, 5 ml/L and volatile oil at 7, 8, ml/L into liquid medium after 21days of inoculation with A. flavus and incubation at 25 + 2oC induced significant reduction in aflatoxin concentration, 150, 140,106.7 g/L for the three tested concentrations of bacterium respectively, 160, 146.7g/L for the concentrations, 7 and 8 ml/L in control. Treated corn grains with bacteria at 30, 40, 50 ml/500 g and the volatile oil at 8 ml/kg, then inoculated the grains with A. flavus, induced significant reduction in aflatoxin production, 70, 73, 74 g/kg for the three concentrations of bacterium respectively, 147.0 g/kg for volatile oil at 8 ml / kg compared with 267.0 g/ kg in control after 30 days of treatment. The treatment of corn grains with the bacterium at 30, 40, 50 ml/500 g and with Boswellia volatile oil at 8 ml/kg after 21 days of inoculation with A. flavus and incubation at 25 ± 2oC induced significant reduction in aflatoxin concentrations, 80, 47, 28 g/kg for the three concentrations of the bacterium respectively, 150 g/ kg for the volatile oil at 8 ml/kg compared with 267.0 g/kg in control.

This investigation was carried out at Ruminants research station –Agricultural research center during 30 April to August 2013 and included feeding trials for Cyprus Goat kids aged four years with an average initial weight of 12.65 1.4 kg. The aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of incorporating sodium bicarbonate in to experimental diets as to evaluate growth, carcass characteristics, , meat quality and chemical composition of meat. six teen goats were divided in to four groups each comprised of four . Four experimental diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 were formulated and included addition of 0, 1,1.5,and 2 kg/100kg ration respectively .The rate of concentrate roughage ranged between 20 -80% .
The obtained results showed that goat fed on T3 and T4 diets resulted higher insignificant values for feed intake, daily and gross weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, hot and cold carcasses weights, Leg , Rack, Brest and flank weights as compared to T1 (control). T3 was superior to other treatments for dressing percentage. there was insignificant increase (P>0.05) for weights of meat, fat and bones for Racks of T2, T3 andT4 as compared to T1. The chemical composition of Rack meat showed significant drop ( P< 0.05) in moisture content for T4 compared to T1 there was significant increase (p< 0.05)in fat for T4 compared to T1 . A significant increase was found in LD weight for T3 and T4 compared to T1 and was an increase in eye pieas areas for T3 and T4 compared to T1.

This study was conducted at the Animal Farm pertaining to the College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad, laboratories for Genetic Resources Unit / Directorate of Animal Resource, Ministry of Agriculture.The aim of the study was to determine the genotype effect of Calpastatin gene on some characteristics of meat quality for Awassi sheep. Forty local Awassi sheep (20 males and 20 females) with different ages were used in this study. Samples of blood and Longissimus dorsal (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF) muscles were taken and included in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-RFLP techniques using MspΙ restriction enzyme were employed currently to identify the genotype effect of the gene. The genotype distribution percentage for Calpastatin gene in Awassi sheep sample were 75.00 and 22.50 and 2.50% for MM, MN and NN respectively. The variation among these percentages were highly significant, concomitantly with the appearance of M and N alleles. The replication of alleles was 0.86 for M and 0.14 for N. . The genotype effect of the Calpastatin gene on flavor and juiciness was significant (P≤0.05), being NN was superior in these values (5.0 and 3.16 respectively) followed by MN and MM. The meat tenderness and overall palatability did not significantly differ with different genotypes. Highly significant (P≤0.01) differences were showed in pH, 24 hours after-slaughtering in LD muscle with different genotypes of the gene . In conclusion, it is possible to adopt the genotypes of Calpastatin gene as a marker for selection programs in sheep for improving meat quality and production, and increase the economic income of these schemes consequently .

This study was conducted at the Poultry Farm, Department of Animal Resources, College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad, during the period from 21 / 2 / 2013 to 7 / 9 / 2013. The aim of this experiment was to compare the effect of supplementation of organic and inorganic selenium to the diet on productive performance of laying hens.
(147) females of Lohman Brown, (20) weeks old were used in this study. Females were reared during experimental period at the cages, and at 22 weeks old of age, birds were randomly distributed into 7 treatment groups with 3 replicates in each treatment group, so (7 females for replicates, 21 females for treatment). Control group T1 were fed on basal diet, and inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) were supplemented to treatments, T2, T3 and T4 with 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mg/kg feed respectively and organic selenium (sel-plex) were supplemented to treatments, T5, T6 and T7 with 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mg / kg feed respectively. Supplementation of organic selenium (sel-plex) and inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) was used from 22 weeks of age until the end of the experiment, at 39 weeks old.
The results showed that there was high significant (p<0.01) improvement in productive traits included egg production ratio, egg mass, cumulative eggs number, egg weight and feed conversion coefficient in treatment groups that have added selenium, with superiority of the effect of supplementation of organic selenium compared with inorganic selenium in most of studied traits.

Samples of the green algae were collected from water of Shatt al-Arab in Garmat Ali, Basra. After purification, the green algae were identified to be Enteromorpha sp. The samples were dried and milled,the sulfated polysaccharides were extracted with hot water at 90°C, precipitated with absolute ethanol, dialysed and lyophilized. The chemical composition was total sugars 56.4%, protein 1.3% and sulfur 19.7%. The monosaccharides existed in the polymer by HPLC,Arabinose comprised the highest valued of 81.4%, other sugers were 8.6% Rhamnose, 3.7% Galactose, 4.1% glucouronic acid and 2.2% Mannose. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) for Polysaccharide was assayed, the maximam of both sugers and organic material was at 260°C with 55% loss in weight. The anticoagulation activity of blood was studied and included Activated partial Throbomoplastin time (APTT) wich was 224.21 seconds at 100µgm\ml compared to 221.54 seconds for heparin at concentration of 1000IU.

The research aimed to: determine the knowledge level of potato crop growers in some marketing processes. determine that level in each axis of marketing process such as: (Assembling, grading, packing, transport and storage).And, to determine the relationship between the knowledge level and some independent variables such as (age, education, farm size, income, participation in extension activities).
A questionnaire was designed to collect data during the period July and August 2013 by simple random sample insulated (50) growers from the total population of (800) growers, (6.25%).
The results showed that (44%) of the respondent, their knowledge level was medium. There was significant relationship between the knowledge level and independent variables income, farm possession size, participation in extension activities and non–significant relationship with education and age.
The research recommended to intensify the extension programs for potato growers and providing them with all marketing requirements.

This paper have conducted an economic analysis to the production efficiency of Maize in Iraq . cost structure , cost function and economies of size have measured targeting the optimum production which reflecting the economic input use efficiency. 206 farmers have been surveyed in Babil governorate, applying random sample to the season 2012-2013.Econometric approach have been applied using cubic cost function. Results indicate that optimum production and optimum planted area are (50.3) ton and (38.2) donum, respectively.

The research aimed at exploring the applied and non-applied field practices by protected vegetables growers. Also, to know some reasons related to non-applied practices, and some problems facing those growers. To achieve the objectives of the study, (68) field practices have been designed divided into (13) agricultural processes such as: (construction of protected house, land preparation, soil sterilization, soil cover, planting, plant breeding and pruning, irrigation, fertilization, ventilation, heating, improve fruit set, pest control, gatherers and marketing). Data were collected by a questionnaire from random sample consist of (70) growers, who applied the practices, in plastic tunnels and houses. The Results showed that (28%) of total practices didn’t applied by all respondents. (32%) didn’t applied by more than half of the respondents. (13%) of the practices were applied by all growers. The reasons were: lack of education (more than 50%), economic reasons (more than 50%). The results also showed that the number of applied practices by growers were (14-39). (67%) of the respondents apply less than (22) practices which could be considered as weak and affected the management of their farms. The researcher gave some conclusions such as:
- Low level of farm management.
-Weakness of agricultural extension services as well as lack of specialized extension services.
- Weakness of equipment and supply services.
The researcher gave some recommendations such as:
- The necessity of support by ministry of agriculture to the protected vegetables farms and growers.
- Establishment of extension program for protected vegetable growing.

The Research aimed to identify the level of application of corn growers in agricultural practices that maintain to sustain soil fertility in Musayib project district/ Governorate of Babil, and to identify the level of application corn growers the axes agricultural practices (relevent acrop rotation, using organic and mineral fertilizers, the optimal using water, the use of hybrids and mechanical fertilization, the practice of crop service processes), and to identify the relationship between the level of application of corn growers to some agricultural practices and some independent variables (educational attainment, agricultural expertise in corn cultivation, size of the holding planted, crop productivity, get the relevant sources of agricultural information to maintain and sustain soil fertility). Data were collected during July and August / 2014 by questionare with interview Results showed that the level of application of the farmers to some of the relevent agricultural practices to maintain sustain soil
fertility was medium, amounting to 45% and the rate of application (33.2) degrees, Also, the application of the farmers at the center of the crop rotation was average level tends to rise at a rate of 42.5% and the rate of application of (7.64) degrees, while the appear of the level of application of the growers of both axes (the use of organic and mineral fertilizers, the use of mechanical camel, fertilizing, use Optimal water) high rate (47.5% 0.80% 0.85%), respectively, and the rate of application (12.6,6.3,5.4) degrees respectively, and that the application of the farmers to the axis of practice to get service operations level was low and the rate of 77.5% and the rate of (2.6) degrees, Search results also showed the presence of significant relationship between the level of application of corn growers administrative practices and all of the independent factors (educational attianment, agricultural experience,size of holding planted, crop productivity, access to sources of information Agricultural extension).
The research recommended that need for growers to fallow all studied practices with a focus on practices that were applied poorly by the respondents up to other practices with the need to take advantage of the growers who have a high level of their application. The research also recommend that Ministry of Agriculture supporting smallholder farmers by through loans from the Agricultural Bank, and the company(Mesopotamia Seed) responsible for the receipt of the crop which is also responsible for the program adopted by the ministry to raise the production and processing of growers every novelty for corn crop yellow, as well as working on the publication of crop maize farming practices through extension activities focus on the programs of TV and radio, bulletins, training courses, seminars on the explanatory information and fields around these practices to farmers.

The research aimed to identify the knowledge level of corn growers concerning the agricultural recommendation also the agricultural knowledge about soil and water management such as (land prepared, method of planting, seeds types, planting date, soil properties and fertilization). And water management such as (water quality, irrigation dates, mount of irrigation water) the research aimed to study the correlation between knowledge level and independent variables such as (age, qualification, farm size, extension activities guide and information source).
The data was collected from 25-6-2014 To 26-7-2014 by individual interview from a random sample of 10% of the population of (500) farmers which means (50) farmers.
The results showed that the knowledge level in general is described as weak and that the level knowledge of the farmers in the field of soil and water management is described as too weak.
There was a significant relationship between knowledge level and some independent variables such as (Qualification, farm size, activities guide way, information sources and a negative relationship with the age.
The researchers impute the lack of provided extension activities can be considered as an important factor causing low productivity of the crop.
The researcher recommends the need to increase efforts and diversity awareness of the importance of agriculture and how to manage soil by workshops sessions and direct visiting to farmers and other fields.

This research was conducted to determine the ability of rhizospheric bacterial isolates in Phosphate-Zinc solubilizing efficiency. Thirteen different rhizospheric soil samples were collected from North, Middle and South of Iraq. Sixty bacterial isolate were screened for their P- Zn solubilizing ability, twenty four bacterial isolates gave P-solubilizing ability. Different solubilizing efficiencies (SE) and solubilizing indexes (SI) were recognized to reach 600 for SE and7for SI by K8.3 isolate at AYG agar medium. While, pH of broth medium decreased with time to reach 4 after 72 hours for K9.2 bacterialisolate which liberated 312 ppm of soluble inorganic phosphate. Thirteen bacterial isolates were able to solubilize zinc on Ammonium Yeast Glucose agar medium (AYG) agar medium containing Zinc sulfate with halo zone reached 15mm for K6.1 isolate, seven bacterial isolates showed solubilizing ability.

Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a vital living system. Sustainable agriculture requires increasing farmer knowledge about the soil health that’s could be by assess mycorrhizal fungi. This study investigated the development and simplified method of soil tests which farmers could use on their own farms. The tests would enable monitoring of mycorrhizal fungi on-farm. The goals of this research were to develop and test modified methods for monitoring mycorrhizas fungi that require minimal specialist equipment. Standard laboratory methods for staining mycorrhizal fungi in roots (Ink- vinegar and Trypan Blue methods) were adapted. It was possible to simplify the method so it was more suitable for farmers to use than the methods used in the laboratory. the method for clearing prior to staining roots for mycorrhizal fungi was simplified for farmers by replacing KOH with soap powder an evaluation of this simplification was made as was an evaluation of the use of commonly available organic dyes as stains (mulberry juice) instead of Ink or Trypan Blue for staining the mycorrhizal fungi.